Hertha Helena Freeman was born May 1, 1912 in a sod house 12 miles southwest of Burke, South Dakota to John and Mathilda (Huber) Fode and she died March 25, 2010 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Burke, South Dakota at the age of 97 years.
Hertha grew up on the family farm with her six sisters and 3 brothers. In her younger years she worked for several area families. Her favorite was when she worked for Oakley Eide, Sr., where she met her future husband to be Clifford. They were married in Owatonna, Minnesota on August 20, 1938 and to this union four children were born: Evon, Mavis, Ronald and Robert.
Hertha enjoyed crocheting, reading, gardening and her favorite, working with flowers. They made their home for several years in Burke, South Dakota and later in 1947 they moved to Rapid City. They remained in Rapid City until 1957, when they became California bound. They moved back to Rapid City in 1979 and later resided in Dallas, South Dakota before returning to their roots, settling back in Burke where they started.
In the fall of 1997 Hertha moved to Whispering Pines where she remained until spending her final 63 days of her life in the Burke Hospital. She had a smile that will never be forgotten.
Hertha was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford; her son, Robert; her grandson, Randy Ward; her parents; four sisters and three brothers.
Hertha is survived by her children: Evon Miner of Indo, CA; Mavis Ward of Mansfield, TX; Ronald (Anna Marie) of San Diego, CA; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; two sisters: Frieda Hegge of Burke, SD and Edna Schweigert of Tucson, AZ; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 10:30 AM at the Grace Lutheran Church in Burke. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Burke. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 PM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke